I heard about Spice Curry House in G.O.P. after writing a restaurant review on Masala Cafe, a Pakistani restaurant. Over the past two years, I had it on my "to do" list. I had heard mixed reviews of the restaurant. Last night I experienced it for myself. I was disappointed. First, let me say that... Continue Reading →
Ankara: A History Buff’s Paradise
Although the huge city of Istanbul often steals the headlines, Ankara is finally starting to raise its own head above the parapet and make a name for itself as a first class destination for tourists and seasoned travellers to visit – especially those interested in ancient history and those who love the hustle and bustle... Continue Reading →
March Comes in Like a Lion
It was a long and rough winter for us in Ankara. For a moment there, I thought all of the stars in the sky had a bad case of dandruff - it snowed that much! In fact, we had flurries again yesterday. But now the sun is shining and flowers are poking their little heads... Continue Reading →
In the Land of . . .
. . . Snow! Ankara is not historically known for big snowfalls. Apparently, that is changing now that I am here. Last year, I flew back to the States in March. I day or two before the flight, we were hit with 16 inches. (That's 2.5 cm per inch). This year, the snow just won't stop. ... Continue Reading →
The Hardest Thing About Being an Expat
One of the hardest things about being an expat is not being there in a time of need. Since I have been in Turkey, many of my friends have lost a parent. My friends may not have felt like they needed me at the time, but I sure needed to be with them. It puts... Continue Reading →
“Junking”
It's an interesting thing that in this land of great history, there is little room for "junking." Junking is a term I recently picked up from my niece. That's her way of describing her love of antiques, or anything else that can be picked up at a flea market or yard sale. I honestly can't... Continue Reading →
Waking up in Ankara – why do so many expats move to Turkey?
Ten years ago it seemed rare for many expats to move to Turkey, especially Ankara! But a new trend has seen more and more foreign nationals flocking to Turkey in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. Turkey has become somewhat of a hot spot for tourism in the last few years, continually... Continue Reading →
You may have noticed . . .
. . . I have been trying out some new gadgets and different types of posts on my blog. For instance, there is a new "Goodreads" widget on the right side of the blog. That connects you, my readers, with books I have read. If you click on it, you will see what I am currently... Continue Reading →
Valentine’s Day Story and a Lemon Meringue Tart!
Another Valentine's Day has come and I decided not to celebrate it. We have two anniversaries this week, 9 years since our first date and 3 years since our wedding. It's just two much to have 3 days to celebrate back to back. We have somewhat of a tradition where I bring up the story... Continue Reading →
Mystery of the Traveling Tupperware
Have you ever stopped and wondered where your things have been or where they have gone? Many years ago, I stumbled upon an antiuque chest of drawers with mirror attached. I believed it was from the 1920's. I had to have that chest. I saw it at a one-day flea market, and I returned to... Continue Reading →
Ho-hum . . . How to Get Rid of the Winter Blues in Ankara
Now that we are in the heart of winter and all the “good” holidays have passed, i.e. Bayram, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, our thoughts turn to “what to do now”? For many people, winter is a dark and lonely time of year, especially for those inflicted with SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder). For expats, winter... Continue Reading →
News from the American Embassy in Turkey
It is a very wise idea for my American comrades who are living or even just visiting Turkey, to register your whereabouts with the U.S. Embassy. In fact, I encourage those traveling anywhere abroad to register. This is easily done online. The State Department now has a secure online traveler enrollment website which will allow... Continue Reading →
Newspaper Delivery
March will be two years for me in Ankara, and I have yet to see a mailman, although I am certain they exist. Every once in a while I get mail from my undergrad university, or from the PA Bar Association. Even the IRS seems to get their mail through to me! Yikes! But most... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 